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Mercedes introduces illuminated three-pointed star [w/video]

Illuminated badges and emblems on cars aren't a new idea – those old enough to remember will recall the warm glow of the old Wolseley grille emblems – but in recent history they have been the reserve of concept cars and the aftermarket. Mercedes is set to restart the trend however as it begins to offer an LED-illuminated star as a dealer-fit option on the E–, GL–, M– and CLS–Class. We've started to see lighting spill out onto the exterior of concept cars for a while and this move is sure to have other OEMs and aftermarket firms alike following Mercedes' lead.

Rolls-Royce Bespoke creates Year of the Dragon Collection

Rolls-Royce has announced a commemorative offering in preparation for the forthcoming Year of the Dragon celebration, which starts on January 23, 2012. Designed by Rolls-Royce's Bespoke team, the Year of the Dragon Collection has been inspired by the legendary creature that is revered in China, and created to celebrate the ultimate symbol of power, prosperity and good fortune. The collection features unique detailing on both the exterior and interior of the Phantom or Phantom Extended Wheelbase models and includes a gold hand-painted dragon coachline inspired by Beijing's Forbidden City; dragon headrest embroidery available in Tan, Golden Sand, Black and White; a dragon inlay, which will be hand-laid to the passenger panel and include the Phantom name outlined in gold; two hand-stitched cushions for the rear passengers, specified with embroidered double R-R logos and piping; and illuminated treadplates with ‘Year of the Dragon 2012' highlighted in LED lighting.

CAR interviews BMW design chief Adrian van Hooydonk (2009)

By Guy Bird Motor Industry 03 November 2009 09:22 CAR: Chris Bangle once told a great story about sending BMW designers to study with an origami master to gain influence. Judging by the Vision EfficientDynamics concept it looks like you were on that trip? Adrian van Hooydonk: I didn’t go along but in the recent past our designers have experimented with a lot of things – folded metal, folded paper, even plywood – and on this concept car maybe all of that came to fruition.